Interchangeable test element retainers

ABSTRACT

Interchangeable inserts are provided for a storage container configured to receive a plurality of vertically oriented items, where the inserts include a body having a base, an upper surface having an upper opening, and an upstanding tubular sidewall extending between the base and the upper surface. The base and the tubular sidewall together define an interior space of the insert. The tubular sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface, where a pair of resilient securing tabs extend laterally from the outer surface of the tubular sidewall. The securing tabs frictionally engage the storage container for releasably coupling the insert to the storage container. Further, the insert has a first vent opening extending through the tubular sidewall through which air can enter the interior space of the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to and the benefit ofInternational Publication Number WO2015/187551, filed on Jun. 1, 2015,which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/008,152 (filed 5 Jun. 2014), both of which areincorporated herein by reference as if set forth in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent application relates generally to engineering and medicaldiagnostics, and more particularly, it relates to interchangeableinserts for vertically oriented test elements within a storagecontainer.

BACKGROUND

Systems, apparatuses and methods for assaying biological fluids, as wellas test elements for use therein, are well known. Typically, testelements are stored in a storage container that is distinct from a testmeter that analyzes a biological fluid sample. In some systems, a testelement is first removed from the storage container, a biological fluidsample then is deposited onto a region of the test element, and the testelement is inserted into the test meter for analysis of an analyte ofinterest. After the analysis is complete, the test element is removedfrom the test meter and disposed.

Some known storage containers are designed and built to store multipletest elements of a specific number and a single size, or use aninterchangeable insert for different test elements, both of whichpresent disadvantages. For example, storage containers designed andbuilt to store multiple test elements of a specific number and a singlesize may lead to increased container manufacturing and inventory costs.Additionally, some known interchangeable inserts for such storagecontainers are prone to cumbersome loading of the insert or dislodgingof the insert if the storage container is dropped or otherwise knockedaround. Dislodging of the insert can result in inadvertent or accidentalspillage of the test elements that may lead to contamination andunreliability thereof. Furthermore, a partially dislodged insert mayadversely affect the perceived quality of the interchangeable insertstorage container by an end user.

With some known storage containers, as a quantity of the test elementsare used and disposed by the user, the remaining test elements may slidefurther into the insert, which does not allow for easy access andremoval of a single test element by the user. In view of theramifications of accurate recording, reporting and analyzing ofbiological fluid samples, improvements in storage containers for storingand distributing test elements used to analyze biological fluid samplesare desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly, an inventive concept described herein includes providinginterchangeable inserts for test elements that have improved insertretention within a storage container, as well as improved verticallyoriented test element retention. The inventive concept is achieved byproviding the inserts with resilient securing tabs that can frictionallyengage the storage container for releasably coupling the insert to thestorage container. Additionally, the inserts can include retainerelements for assisting in maintaining a vertical orientation of testelements. The inventive concept therefore is embodied in exemplarysystems, apparatuses, devices, storage containers and interchangeableinserts as described herein.

For example, inserts are provided for a storage container configured toreceive a plurality of vertically oriented items. The inserts include abody having a base, an upper surface having an upper opening, and anupstanding tubular sidewall extending between the base and the uppersurface. The base and the tubular sidewall together define an interiorspace. The tubular sidewall includes an inner surface and an outersurface. The inserts also include a pair of resilient securing tabsextending laterally from the outer surface of the tubular sidewall. Thesecuring tabs are configured to frictionally engage the storagecontainer for releasably coupling the insert to the storage container.In addition, the inserts can include a first vent opening extendingthrough the tubular sidewall through which air can enter the interiorspace of the body.

Additionally or alternatively, inserts are provided for a storagecontainer configured to receive a plurality of vertically orienteditems. The inserts include a first side portion and a second sideportion hingedly coupled together. Each one of the first side portionand the second side portion has a base, an upper surface having an upperopening, and an upstanding tubular sidewall extending between the baseand the upper surface, where the tubular sidewall has an inner surfaceand an outer surface. Each one of the first side portion and the secondside portion has a lip coupled to the outer surface of the tubularsidewall, the lip being spaced away from the upper surface. The firstside portion and a second side portion are moveable between a closedconfiguration where the first side portion and the second side portionare in face-to-face contact, and an open configuration where the firstside portion and the second side portion are spaced apart. The insertsalso include a catch member coupled to one of the first side portion andthe second side portion. The catch member extends between an uppersurface and the lip, and defines a catch opening. The inserts furtherinclude a latch member coupled to the outer surface of the tubularsidewall of the other one of the first side portion and the second sideportion. In addition, the inserts have a living hinge coupled betweenthe first side portion and the second side portion to enable the firstside portion and the second side portion to be rotated into face-to-facecontact. The latch member extends through the catch opening and engagesthe catch member when an insert is in the closed configuration. Asabove, the inserts also can include a pair of resilient securing tabs asdescribed above for frictionally retaining the insert in a storagecontainer.

These and other advantages, effects, features and objects of theinventive concept will become better understood from the descriptionthat follows. In the description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof and in which there is shown by way ofillustration, not limitation, embodiments of the inventive concept.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages, effects, features and objects other than those set forthabove will become more readily apparent when consideration is given tothe detailed description below. Such detailed description makesreference to the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary storage container.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the storage container shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a housing that can be used with thestorage container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an interchangeable insert that can beused with the storage container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the insert shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the insert shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the insert shown in FIG. 4, takenalong line 7-7 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the insert shown in FIG. 4, as takenalong line 8-8 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a retainer element andsecuring tabs that can be used with the insert shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the insert shown in FIG. 4, illustrating theinsert rotated about a hinge to a substantially flat position.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the storage container shown in FIG.1, in a closed position, taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative insert that can be usedwith the storage container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the insert shown in FIG. 12, takenalong line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

While the inventive concept is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, exemplary embodiments thereof are shown by way ofexample in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the description of exemplary embodiments thatfollows is not intended to limit the inventive concept to the particularforms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover alladvantages, effects, features and objects falling within the spirit andscope thereof as defined by the embodiments described herein and theclaims below. Reference should therefore be made to the embodimentsdescribed herein and claims below for interpreting the scope of theinventive concept. As such, it should be noted that the embodimentsdescribed herein may have advantages, effects, features and objectsuseful in solving other problems.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Overview

The systems, apparatuses, devices, storage containers andinterchangeable inserts now will be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the inventive concept are shown. Indeed, the systems,apparatuses, devices, storage containers and interchangeable inserts maybe embodied in many different forms and should not be construed aslimited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodimentsare provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements.

Likewise, many modifications and other embodiments of the systems,apparatuses, devices, storage containers and interchangeable insertsdescribed herein will come to mind to one of skill in the art to whichthe disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented inthe foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it isto be understood that the systems, apparatuses, devices, storagecontainers and interchangeable inserts are not to be limited to thespecific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and otherembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in ageneric and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of skill in the artto which the disclosure pertains. Although any methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the systems, apparatuses, devices, storagecontainers and interchangeable inserts, the preferred methods andmaterials are described herein.

Moreover, reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” or “an”does not exclude the possibility that more than one element is present,unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only oneelement. The indefinite article “a” or “an” thus usually means “at leastone.” Likewise, the terms “have,” “comprise” or “include” or anyarbitrary grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusiveway. Thus, these terms may both refer to a situation in which, besidesthe feature introduced by these terms, no further features are presentin the entity described in this context and to a situation in which oneor more further features are present. For example, the expressions “Ahas B,” “A comprises B” and “A includes B” may refer both to a situationin which, besides B, no other element is present in A (i.e., a situationin which A solely and exclusively consists of B) or to a situation inwhich, besides B, one or more further elements are present in A, such aselement C, elements C and D, or even further elements.

Furthermore, approximating language, as used herein and in the claims,may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that couldpermissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function towhich it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms,such as “about,” “approximately” and “substantially” is not to belimited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, theapproximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrumentfor measuring the value. Likewise, range limitations may be combined orinterchanged; such ranges are identified and include all the sub-rangescontained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

For example, as used herein, “about” means within a statisticallymeaningful range of a value or values such as, for example, a statedconcentration, length, width, height, weight, pH, time frame,temperature or volume. Such a value or range can be within an order ofmagnitude, typically within 20%, more typically within 10%, and evenmore typically within 5% of a given value or range. The allowablevariation encompassed by “about” will depend upon the particular systemunder study, and can be readily appreciated by one of skill in the art.

The systems, apparatuses, devices, storage containers andinterchangeable inserts are useful in a variety of applications. Forexample, the interchangeable inserts can be used to hold a plurality ofvertically oriented test elements. Because the inserts frictionallyengage a surface of a storage container, they can be readily removedwhen no test elements remain. Advantageously, inserts having either thesame or different numbers of test elements, as well as the same ordifferent sized/shaped test elements, can be used interchangeably.

Storage Containers and Interchangeable Inserts

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary storage container 10. FIG.2 is an exploded perspective view of the storage container 10 shown inFIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the storage container 10 isconfigured to retain a plurality of items 16 such as, for example, testelements. The storage container 10 extends along a central longitudinalaxis L and includes a housing 12 and an interchangeable insert 14positioned within an interior volume of the housing 12. The insert 14 isconfigured to retain the test elements 16 therein. In the exemplaryembodiment, the housing 12 and the insert 14 each can be fabricated froma polymeric or plastic material including, for example, polypropylene orpolyethylene. Alternatively, the housing 12 and the insert 14 may befabricated from any other suitable materials that enable the housing 12and the insert 14 to function as described herein including, but notlimited to, composite or metallic materials. It also is understood thatthe housing 12 and the insert 14 can be made in any desired color orcolors, and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.

Optionally, a desiccant 13 can be used in association with the storagecontainer 10 (and/or the insert 14) to facilitate reducing humidity ormoisture within the interior region of the storage container 10. Excesshumidity or moisture within the storage container 10 can adverselyaffect the integrity of the test elements 16. More specifically, thedesiccant 13 may be incorporated directly into the housing 12 of thestorage container 10 or may be provided anywhere within an interiorspace of the housing 12.

In some instances, one or more portions of the housing 12 and/or theinsert 14 may be partially or entirely formed from an injection moldabledesiccant material. For example, one or more of the walls of the housing12 and/or the insert 14 may be formed from a desiccant-entrained polymermaterial, although other suitable configurations and materials arecontemplated. In other instances, desiccant 13 can be a separatecomponent placed within the interior space 36 of the housing 12 such as,for example, a desiccant packet, a desiccant canister, a desiccantpellet, a particulate desiccant material, or other elements orstructures including a desiccant material. Alternatively oradditionally, other types and compositions of desiccant are contemplatedfor use with the storage container 10 including, but not limited to,porous paper, cellulosic fiber, a desiccant entrained polymer, porousplastic, molecular sieves, silica gels, clays, starches, calciumsulfate, calcium oxides, calcium chloride, and the like, andcombinations thereof.

In the exemplary embodiment, the test elements 16 have a substantiallyrectangular shape and include an end edge 18, and an opposite end edge20 spaced apart from end edge 18 a length Ls. In addition, each of thetest elements 16 include a side edge 22, and an opposite side edge 24spaced apart from side edge 22 a width Ws. Alternatively, the testelements 16 may have any other suitable shape and configuration thatenables storage container 10 to function as described herein. In theexemplary embodiment, the test elements 16 are biosensor test stripsconfigured to measure glucose levels in a body fluid sample such asblood when used in connection with a blood glucose meter (not shown) orother suitable measurement device or system. Alternatively, the testelements 16 may be any type or configuration of test element thatenables the storage container 10 to function as described herein.Additionally, the storage container 10 may be used to store other typesof analytical elements, diagnostic devices, or other medical orpharmacological devices.

In the exemplary embodiment, the interchangeable insert 14 is releasablycoupled to the housing 12. It is understood that various types, sizes,and configurations of the insert 14 thus may be used interchangeablywith the housing 12 to accommodate a variety of types, sizes, andconfigurations of the test elements 16. One advantage of theinterchangeable configuration of storage container 10 and insert 14 isthat manufacturing costs and inventory levels can be reduced since onetype or size of the housing 12 may be used in association with severaltypes or sizes of the insert 14. The insert 14 can be provided as adisposable component that is discarded when the insert 14 no longercontains any of the test elements 16. A new insert 14 containing a newset of test elements 16 may be positioned within the housing 12.Alternatively, the insert 14 can be refilled with a new set of testelements 16.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the housing 12 that can be used with thestorage container 10 shown in FIG. 1. The housing 12 has a heightextending along the longitudinal axis L and generally includes a body 26and a removable cap 50 (broadly, a closure) rotatably attached to thebody 26. The body 26 has a lower end portion 28 and an upper end portion30. The body 26 includes a substantially planar base or bottom wall 32adjacent the lower end portion 28. A tubular sidewall 34 extends upwardalong the longitudinal axis L from the bottom wall 32 toward the upperend portion 30, defining a top rim 35. The bottom wall 32 and thesidewall 34 together define a tubular configuration having an upperopening 38 and an interior space 36. In one suitable embodiment, thebody 26 also includes a shoulder or lip 40 extending substantiallyperpendicularly outward from the sidewall 34. The lip 40 is locatedgenerally adjacent the upper opening 38 and is configured for engagementwith the cap 50. In the exemplary embodiment, the cap 50 is configuredto close off the upper opening 38.

In some instances, the body 26 may include one or more sealing members(not shown) such as, for example, a gasket, an O-ring, or a sealablefoil positioned on or adjacent the top rim 35, the lip 40, or along thebottom portion of the cap 50 to provide sealing engagement between thebody 26 and the cap 50. The sealing members may establish a seal betweenthe body 26 and the cap 50 to prevent moisture or contaminants fromentering the interior region of the storage container 10, or to providea seal to isolate the test elements 16 from the external environment.The sealing members (not shown) may be fabricated from materialsincluding, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, polymeric, synthetic, ormetallic material.

In the exemplary embodiment, the body 26 is substantially ellipticallyshaped and includes an elongate dimension (i.e., a length) extendingalong a major transverse axis T1 from a front portion 42 to a rearportion 44 of the housing 12. The body 26 also includes a transversedimension (i.e., a width) extending along a minor transverse axis T2from a first side portion 46 to an opposite second side portion 48 ofthe body 26. In the exemplary embodiment, the major and minor transverseaxes T1 and T2 intersect one another at the central longitudinal axis L.Alternatively, the body 26 may be fabricated in other shapes including,but not limited to, a rectangular cross section, a curvilinear crosssection, a polygonal cross section, a circular cross section, a squarecross section, or any other suitable cross-sectional shape that enableshousing 12 to function as described herein. Additionally, the body 26has a first height H1 adjacent the front portion 42 and a second heightH2 adjacent the rear portion 44 to thereby provide the body 26 of thehousing 12 with a varying height dimension. Alternatively, the body 26may be fabricated with a substantially uniform height.

In the exemplary embodiment, the removable cap 50 has a lower endportion 52 and an upper end portion 54. The cap 50 has a substantiallyplanar upper wall 56 adjacent the upper end portion 54. A tubularsidewall 60 extends from the upper wall 56 toward the lower end portion52, defining a bottom rim 61. The upper wall 56 and the sidewall 60together define a tubular configuration having an interior space 62 anda lower cap opening 64. In one suitable embodiment, the cap 50 mayinclude an inner shoulder or lip (not shown) extending annularly aboutan inner surface of the sidewall 60 adjacent the lower cap opening 64for engagement with the top rim 35 of the body 26. In the exemplaryembodiment, the cap 50 is configured to close off the upper opening 38of the body 26.

In some instances, the cap 50 may include one or more sealing members(not shown) such as, for example, a gasket, an O-ring, or a sealablefoil positioned on or adjacent the bottom rim 61 (or the inner shoulderor lip) to provide sealing engagement between the body 26 and the cap50. The sealing members may be fabricated from materials including, butnot limited to, rubber, plastic, polymeric, synthetic, metallicmaterial, or combinations thereof.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cap 50 is suitably positionable betweena closed position (not shown) and an open position (FIG. 3) in which theinterior space 36 of the body 26 is accessible. More particularly, theexemplary cap 50 is hinged to the rear portion 44 of the body 26, and inparticular, to the lip 40 for hinged motion relative thereto, and moresuitable relative to the body 26, between the closed and open positionsof the cap 50. For example, as seen in FIG. 3, the cap 50 may be hingedto the lip 40 in the manner of a “living hinge” 66 in which the cap 50is formed (e.g., molded) integrally with the lip 40 along a thinned orscored connecting web that is sufficiently flexible to allow hingedmotion of the lid relative to the lip 40. It is understood, though, thatthe cap 50 may be formed separate from the body 26 and mechanicallyhinged thereto by a suitable hinge mechanism (not shown) withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention. The hinge 66 enables the cap50 to pivot about a pivot axis P between open and closed positionsrelative to the body 26.

In the exemplary embodiment, the pivot axis P is arranged generallyparallel with the minor transverse axis T2 of the body 26.Alternatively, the pivot axis P may be arranged generally parallel withthe major transverse axis T1 of the body 26, or may be arranged at anoblique angle relative to the major or minor transverse axes T1 and T2.It is contemplated that the cap 50 can be attached to the body 26 byother suitable attachment techniques or separate from the body 26 untilfully engaged to the body 26 in the closed position. When the cap 50 isin the open position (FIG. 3), the upper opening 38 is unobstructed toprovide access to the test elements 16 contained therein (FIG. 1). Whenthe cap 50 is in the closed position (not shown), the upper opening 38is covered or closed off to protect and retain the test elements 16within the storage container 10 or to prevent moisture or contaminantsfrom entering the storage container 10.

In the exemplary embodiment, the cap 50 is substantially ellipticallyshaped and substantially corresponds to the elliptical shape of the body26. Alternatively, the cap 50 may be fabricated in other shapesincluding, but not limited to, a rectangular cross section, acurvilinear cross section, a polygonal cross section, a circular crosssection, a square cross section, or any other suitable cross-sectionalshape that enables the housing 12 to function as described herein. Thecap 50 has a first height adjacent a front portion 53 and a secondheight adjacent a rear portion 58, wherein the second height is lessthan the first height to provide the cap 50 with a varying cap height.Alternatively, the cap 50 may be fabricated with a substantially uniformheight.

In the exemplary embodiment, when the cap 50 is in the closed position(not shown) and engaged with the body 26, the varying height of the cap50 cooperates with the varying height of the body 26 to provide thehousing 12 with a substantially uniform overall height. In someinstances, the body 26 and the cap 50 are provided with engagementfeatures (not shown) configured to cooperate with one another toreleasably couple the cap 50 in the closed position (not shown). Forexample, the body 26 and the cap 50 may include detent features,interlocking features, snap features, or fastening features (not shown)that releasably couple the cap 50 in the closed position (not shown)relative to the body 26. In other instances, the cap 50 can beconfigured to engage the body 26 via a threaded arrangement, a twistlock arrangement, a bayonet lock arrangement, a friction fitarrangement, or other suitable engagement arrangements (not shown). Instill other instances, the cap 50 may be provided with a passage (notshown) extending therethrough and communicating with the interior space36 of the body 26, and with a closing member (not shown) cooperatingwith the passage such that one or more of the test elements 16 can beremoved from the interior space 36 without having to disengage the cap50 from the body 26. The closing member (not shown) may be in the formof a plug, valve or other suitable closeable access device (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary interchangeable insert 14that can be used with the storage container 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5is a side view of the insert 14, and FIG. 6 is an end view of the insert14. Further, FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the insert 14 takenalong section line 7-7, and FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of theinsert 14 taken along section line 8-8, each section line shown in FIG.4. With reference to FIGS. 4-8, in the exemplary embodiment, insert 14is configured for interchangeable engagement with the housing 12. Theinsert 14 includes a main body 70 having a lower end portion 72 and anupper end portion 74. The main body 70 includes an interior space 76configured to receive and retain one or more test elements 16 (see,FIG. 1) therein.

The main body 70 further includes a substantially planar base or bottomwall 78 having an inner surface 80 and an outer surface 82. Positionedwithin the interior space 76 and spaced upward and substantiallyparallel to bottom wall 78 is a floor panel 110 configured for engagingthe end edge 20 of the test elements 16. Floor panel 110 may be spacedapart from bottom wall 78 at various predefined distances withininterior space 76 based on the length Ls of test elements 16 to positiontest elements 16 for relatively easy removal from the insert 14. It iscontemplated that the floor panel 110 may be omitted from the main body70 and that the bottom wall 78 may function to engage the end edge 20 ofthe test elements 16.

In the exemplary embodiment, the main body 70 also includes anupstanding tubular sidewall 84 that extends substantially axially alongthe longitudinal axis L from the bottom wall 78 toward the upper endportion 74, terminating at a top or upper surface 86. The bottom wall 78and the sidewall 84 together define a tubular configuration having theinterior space 76 and an upper opening 88 at the upper surface 86. Inthe exemplary embodiment, the shape of the upper opening 88 correspondssubstantially to the shape of the tubular sidewall 84, having agenerally rectangular tubular shape having its inner edge coterminouswith an inner surface 100 of the tubular sidewall 84. Alternatively, theupper opening 88 can have any shape that enables the insert 14 tofunction as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, the upper surface 86 of the insert 14includes an outward extending annular flange having a periphery that issubstantially elliptically shaped and substantially corresponds to theelliptical shape of the body 26 of the housing 12. The insert 14includes an elongate dimension (i.e., a length) extending along a majortransverse axis T3 from a front portion 90 to a rear portion 92 of theinsert 14. The insert 14 also includes a transverse dimension (i.e., awidth) extending along a minor transverse axis T4 from a first sideportion 94 to an opposite second side portion 96 of the insert 14. Inthe exemplary embodiment, the elongate dimension and the transversedimension are sized such that insert 14 can be interchangeably insertedinto the interior space 36 of the body 26.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first side portion 94 and the second sideportion 96 are substantially symmetrical with respect to thelongitudinal axis L, which, when viewed from the end, is substantiallycentered on insert 14. Alternatively, insert 14 may include featuresand/or elements that are not symmetrical with respect to each other. Theterms top, bottom, front, rear, left, and right are used herein only forconvenience to indicate relative positional relationships. In onesuitable embodiment, the first side portion 94 and the second sideportion 96 are separate components hingedly coupled together.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the major and minor transverseaxes T3 and T4 of the substantially elliptically shaped insert 14intersect one another at the central longitudinal axis L. Alternatively,the insert 14 may be fabricated in other shapes including, but notlimited to, a rectangular cross section, a curvilinear cross section, apolygonal cross section, a circular cross section, a square crosssection, or any other suitable symmetrical cross-sectional shape thatenables insert 14 to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, the insert 14 includes a substantiallyelliptically shaped lip 108 spaced from and substantially parallel tothe upper surface 86. The lip 108 is sized to substantially correspondto the elliptical shape of the upper surface 86 and is configured to fitinto the interior space 36 of the housing 12 to facilitate positioningthe insert 14 properly within the housing.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the insert 14 has a firstheight H3 adjacent the front portion 90 and a second height H4 adjacentthe rear portion 92 of the insert 14 to thereby provide the insert 14with a varying height dimension. Moreover, the insert 14 may be providedwith a height profile that generally corresponds to the height profileof the housing 12 where the upper surface 86 is configured to besubstantially flush with the top rim 35 of the body 26 of the housing 12(see, FIG. 1). Alternatively, the upper surface 86 may be configured tobe recessed below or elevated above the top rim 35 of the body 26, orthe insert 14 may be fabricated with a substantially uniform heightprofile that does not correspond with the height profile of the body 26of the housing 12.

In the exemplary embodiment, the main body 70 of the insert 14 includesa pair of resilient retainer elements 98 offset from upper surface 86and within interior space 76. Alternatively, the main body 70 mayinclude any number of retainer elements 98 that enable insert 14 tofunction as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, the retainerelements 98 extend inwardly from the inner surface 100 of the tubularsidewall 84 and laterally into the interior space 76. More specifically,the retainer elements 98 extend inwardly from the inner surface 100corresponding to the first side portion 94 and the second side portion96 of the insert 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the retainer elements98 extend substantially the entire length of interior space 76, from thefront portion 90 to the rear portion 92 of the insert 14. Alternatively,the retainer elements 98 may extend from the front portion 90 toward therear portion 92 any length that enables insert 14 to function asdescribed herein.

The retainer elements 98 are formed substantially parallel to the bottomwall 78. However, it is understood, that the retainer elements 98 can beformed at an angle relative to the bottom wall 78 (e.g., retainerelements 98 can be formed substantially parallel to upper surface 86, orat any other angle that enables insert 14 to function as describedherein). In the exemplary embodiment, the retainer elements 98 aresubstantially rectangular in cross-section and are configured tofrictionally engage the side edges 22 and 24 of the test elements 16 tofacilitate retaining the test elements 16 within the interior space 76of the insert 14, while providing relatively unrestricted access to thetest elements 16. In the exemplary embodiment, the retainer elements 98are fabricated from a resilient material (e.g., an elastomeric materialsuch as Santoprene®, which is commercially available from ExxonMobil;Irving, Tex. USA). Alternatively, retainer elements 98 may be fabricatedfrom any other elastomeric or resilient material that enables insert 14to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, the main body 70 includes at least a pairof securing tabs 102 extending outwardly from an outer surface 104 ofthe sidewall 84. The securing tabs 102 extend outward in a direction ofthe minor transverse axis T4 and extend laterally along the outersurface 104 of the sidewall 84 in a direction of the major transverseaxis T3 for engagement with an inner surface 106 of the housing 12 toaid in retaining the insert 14 within the interior space 36 of thehousing 12. Alternatively, the main body 70 may include any number ofsecuring tabs 102 that enable insert 14 to function as described herein.In some instances, the securing tabs 102 are substantially centered onthe main body 70 between the front portion 90 and the rear portion 92and extend laterally in a range between about 25% and about 75% ofdistance between the front portion 90 and the rear portion 92. In someinstances, the range can be between about 30% and about 70%, betweenabout 35% and about 65%, between about 40% to about 60%, between about45% and about 55%, or about 50%. Alternatively, the range can be fromabout 25% to about 30%, from about 30% to about 35%, from about 35% toabout 40%, from about 40% to about 45%, from about 45% to about 50%,from about 50% to about 55%, from about 55% to about 60%, from about 60%to about 65%, from about 65% to about 70%, or from about 70% to about75%. In other instances, the securing tabs 102 may extend laterally anylength that enables insert 14 to function as described herein.

The securing tabs 102 are formed substantially parallel to the bottomwall 78. However, it is understood that the securing tabs 102 can beformed at an angle relative to the bottom wall 78 such as, for example,securing tabs 102 can be formed substantially parallel to upper surface86, or at any other angle that enables insert 14 to function asdescribed herein. In the exemplary embodiment, the securing tabs 102 aresubstantially rectangular in cross-section and are configured tofrictionally engage the inner surface 106 of the housing 12 tofacilitate retaining the insert 14 securely within the interior space 36of the housing 12, while providing relatively unrestricted access to theinsert 14 for removal of the insert 14 from the housing 12. In theexemplary embodiment, the securing tabs 102 are fabricated from aresilient, elastomeric material such as, for example, SANTOPRENE®.Alternatively, securing tabs 102 may be fabricated from any otherelastomeric or resilient material that enables insert 14 to function asdescribed herein.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross sectional view of one of the retainerelements 98 and the securing tabs 102 used with the insert 14 shown inFIG. 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the retainer elements 98 eachinclude a mounting portion 112 coupled within a corresponding lateralgroove 114 formed in the sidewall 84 of the main body 70 (see, FIG. 4),with the tip or end portion 116 extending into the interior space 76 ofthe main body 70 for frictional engagement with a corresponding one ofthe side edges 22 and 24 of the test elements 16 (see, FIG. 2). Thedistance separating the tip portions 116 of the retainer elements 98 oran angle at which the retainer elements 98 extend into the interiorspace 76 of the main body 70 may be adjusted to accommodate testelements 16 having different widths Ws. Such adjustment of the distanceseparating the tip portions 116 of the retainer elements 98 or theangular orientation of the retainer elements 98 may be accomplished byvarying the position or angular orientation of the retainer elements 98relative to the insert 14. Alternatively, retainer elements 98 may beremoved and replaced with retainer elements having a differentconfiguration defining a different separation distance or angularorientation relative to the insert 14.

Further, the securing tabs 102 each include a mounting portion 118coupled within a corresponding lateral groove 120 formed in the sidewall84 of the main body 70 (see, FIG. 4), with the tip or end portion 122extending outward, away from the interior space 76 of the main body 70for frictional engagement with the inner surface 106 of the housing 12(see, FIG. 3). The distance separating the tip portions 116 of thesecuring tabs 102 or an angle at which the securing tabs 102 extend intothe interior region 36 of the housing 12 may be adjusted to accommodatehousing 12 having different sizes. Such adjustment of the distanceseparating the tip portions 122 of the securing tabs 102 or the angularorientation of the securing tabs 102 may be accomplished by varying theposition or angular orientation of the securing tabs 102 relative to theinsert 14. Alternatively, securing tabs 102 may be removed and replacedwith securing tabs having a different configuration defining a differentseparation distance or angular orientation relative to the insert 14.

In the exemplary embodiment, retainer elements 98 and securing tabs 102may be formed integrally, having a connecting portion 124 formed in amedial groove 126 extending substantially upwardly from lateral groove120 to lateral groove 114 (see, FIG. 7). Alternatively, the medialgroove 126 may be omitted from the insert 14 so that retainer elements98 and securing tabs 102 are formed independent of each other.

In the exemplary embodiment, the retainer elements 98 and securing tabs102 may be coupled to the main body 70 by a two-shot injection moldingprocess. Alternatively, the retainer elements 98 and securing tabs 102may be coupled to the main body 70 by mechanical fastening, pinning,fusing, welding, adhesive bonding, or other suitable attachmenttechniques. In some instances, retainer elements 98 and securing tabs102 may be configured to be adjustable relative to the insert 14 (e.g.,adjustable in position or orientation), or configured for disengagementand removal from the insert 14 for replacement by a differentconfiguration of the retainer elements 98 and securing tabs 102 toaccommodate the test elements 16 having different nominal widths Ws andthe housing 12 having different sizes. Although a specific configurationof the retainer elements 98 and the securing tabs 102 have beendescribed, it should be understood that other configurations of theretainer elements 98 and securing tabs 102, and other suitabletechniques for attaching the retainer elements 98 and securing tabs 102to the insert 14 are also contemplated as falling within the scope ofthe present disclosure.

Referring back to FIGS. 4 and 5, the main body 70 of the insert 14includes at least one lateral vent 128 formed through the sidewall 84 ofthe insert 14 to enable air to pass from the interior space 76 of theinsert 14 to the interior space 36 of the housing. In the exemplaryembodiment, the insert 14 includes a pair of lateral vents 128 formed inthe first side portion 94 symmetrical about longitudinal axis L, and asymmetrical pair of lateral vents formed in the second side portion 96of the insert 14. Each one of the lateral vents 128 are rectangular inshape and are formed substantially parallel to bottom wall 78 of theinsert 14, spaced upward from the floor panel 110.

In the exemplary embodiment, the insert 14 is a molded component that isfabricated from two separate materials including a polymeric or plasticmaterial including, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene, and anelastomeric material such as, for example, Santoprene®. Accordingly, thefeatures of the insert 14 described herein may have a draft angleassociated with each wall and/or cavity to promote removal of the insert14 from a mold. The component 14 is fabricated by a two-shot injectionmolding process. Alternatively, the insert 14 may be fabricated bymethods other than molding (e.g., machining) and therefore may not havea draft angle associated with the features as described herein. In theexemplary embodiment, to facilitate injection molding, the insert 14 isfabricated so that the first side portion 94 and the second side portion96 are substantially symmetrical and separated from each other about aparting line falling on a plane coincident with the longitudinal axis Land substantially parallel to the side view plane of FIG. 5. Asdescribed above, the insert 14 may include features and/or elements thatare not symmetrical with respect to each other.

In one suitable embodiment, the first side portion 94 and the secondside portion 96 are hinged together for hinged motion relativetherebetween. More specifically, the first side portion 94 and thesecond side portion 96 are hinged to each other in the manner of a“living hinge” 130 in which the first side portion 94 is formedintegrally with the second side portion 96 along a thinned or scoredconnecting web that is sufficiently flexible to allow hinged motion ofthe first side portion 94 relative to the second side portion 96. It isunderstood, though, that the first side portion 94 may be formedseparate from the second side portion 96 and mechanically hinged theretoby a suitable hinge mechanism (not shown) without departing from thescope of this present disclosure. Furthermore, the first side portion 94may be formed separate from the second side portion 96 and configured tosnap or join together with suitable locking mechanisms (not shown)without departing from the scope of this present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of one suitable embodiment of the insert 14 in anopen position, such that the first side portion 94 and the second sideportion 96 are rotated about hinge 130 to a substantially flat position(i.e., the first side portion is rotated about 180 degrees about hinge130 relative to the second side portion 96). With particular referenceto FIGS. 4, 6 and 10, the insert 14 includes at least one lockingmechanism 132. In the exemplary embodiment, the insert 14 includes apair of locking mechanisms 132, one positioned at the front portion 90and one positioned at the rear portion 92 of the insert 14, between theupper surface 86 and the lip 108. The locking mechanisms 132 aresubstantially the same, and for clarity, only one will be describedbelow.

Each locking mechanism 132 is configured to secure the first sideportion 94 to second side portion 96 when respective side portions arerotated about hinge 130 into face-to-face contact. The locking mechanism132 includes a generally rectangular opening 134 formed by a catchmember 136 extending between the upper surface 86 and the lip 108, andspaced away from the outer surface 104 of the sidewall 84 on second sideportion 96. In addition, the locking mechanism 132 includes resilient,upstanding members 138 terminating in a latch portion 140 (broadly,“latch member”). The upstanding members 138 are biased slightly outwardand extend toward second side portion 96 when in the closed positionshown, for example, in FIG. 6, for latching engagement with catch member136. In the exemplary embodiment, the upstanding members extend throughopening 134, and the latch 140 latching engages with catch member 136 toreleasably secure the first side portion 94 to the second side portion96 of the insert 14.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the insert 14 includes a pair of resilientretention arms 142 that extend outward and upward from the front portion90 and the rear portion 92 of the main body 70. The retention arms 142extend outward beyond a periphery of the upper surface 86 and areconfigured to engage inner surface 106 of the housing 12 to aid inretaining the insert 14 within the interior space 36 of the housing 12.Further, the insert 14 includes a plurality of retention lugs 144extending outward from the first side portion 94 and the second sideportion 96 in a direction of the minor transverse axis T4. The firstside portion includes a first pair of retention lugs 144 position at thelower end portion 72 and the second side portion 96 includes an oppositepair of retention lugs 144 symmetrical to the first pair. The retentionlugs 144 are configured to engage an inner portion of the housing 12 toaid in positioning and retaining the insert 14 within the interior space36 of the housing 12. It is contemplated that the retention arms 142 andthe retention lugs 144 can be omitted from the insert 14.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the storage container 10, in theclosed position, taken along line 11-11 shown in FIG. 1. In theexemplary embodiment, the insert 14 is positioned within the interiorspace 36 of the body 26 of the housing 12, and is configured to retain aplurality of the test elements 16 therein. As indicated above withreference to FIGS. 4-6, the main body 70 of the insert 14 includes oneor more securing tabs 102 extending outwardly from the outer surface 104of the sidewall 84 in the direction of the second transverse axis T2 forfrictional engagement with the inner surface 106 or the desiccant 13 ofthe body 26 of the housing 12 to facilitate retaining the insert 14within the inner space 36 of the housing. In addition, the securing tabs102 facilitate stability of the insert component 14 within the housing12. The lip 108 of the insert 14 engages an upper edge of the desiccant13 to facilitate positioning the insert 14 vertically within theinterior space 36 of the housing 12.

In use, a user opens the cap 50 as shown in FIG. 1, and removes one ofthe test elements 16. The user may then close the cap 50 to retain theremaining test elements 16 within the storage container 10. Air thatenters the inner space of the storage container 10 is permitted tocirculate through the storage container 10 by passing into the interiorspace 76 of the insert 14 through the space vacated by the test strip 16removed by the user. The air can circulate through the interior space 76of the insert and the interior space 36 of the housing 12 by passingthrough the lateral vents 128. This circulation of the air enables thedesiccant 13 to remove excess humidity or moisture from the air tofacilitate maintaining the integrity of the test elements 16.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative insert 150 that can beused with the storage container 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a crosssectional view of the insert 150, taken along line 13-13 shown in FIG.12. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the insert 150 is substantially thesame as the insert 14 described in FIGS. 4-10; however, the differenceswill be describe below.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the insert 150 is configured forinterchangeable engagement with the housing 12. The insert 150 includesthe main body 70 having the interior space 76 configured to receive andretain the test elements 16 (see, FIG. 1) therein. The main body 70 alsoincludes the tubular sidewall 84 that extends substantially axiallyalong the longitudinal axis L from the bottom wall 78 toward the upperend portion 74, terminating at a top or upper surface 152. The bottomwall 78 and the tubular sidewall 84 together define a tubularconfiguration having the interior space 76 and an upper opening 154 atthe upper surface 152.

In one suitable embodiment, the upper opening 154 is substantiallyrectangular in shape. Alternatively, the upper opening 154 can have anyshape that enables the insert 150 to function as described herein. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the upper opening 154 has a front edgeportion 156 and an opposite rear edge portion 158. Extending between thefront edge portion 156 and the rear edge portion 158 is a first sideedge portion 160 and an opposite second side edge portion 162. In theexemplary embodiment, the front edge portion 156 is generally alignedwith inner surface 100 of the tubular sidewall 84. Furthermore, each oneof the first side edge portion 160 and the second side edge portion 162is generally aligned with the inner surface 100 of the tubular sidewall84. The rear edge portion 158 is substantially parallel to and offsetfrom the front edge portion 156 a predefined distance D1. The predefineddistance D1 can be sized such that the upper opening 154 can accommodateand securely retain a predefined number of test elements 16.

For example, the predefined distance D1 can be adjusted such that theinsert 150 can accommodate between about 5 test elements to about 50test elements, between about 10 test elements to about 45 test elements,between about 15 test elements to about 40 test elements, between about20 test elements to about 35 test elements, or between about 25 testelements to about 30 test elements. Alternatively, the insert canaccommodate from about 5 test elements to about 10 test elements, fromabout 10 test elements to about 15 test elements, from about 15 testelements to about 20 test elements, from about 20 test elements to about25 test elements, from about 25 test elements to about 30 test elements,from about 30 test elements to about 35 test elements, from about 35test elements to about 40 test elements, from about 40 test elements toabout 45 test elements, or from about 45 test elements 50 test elements.Alternatively still, the insert can accommodate about 5 test elements,about 10 test elements, about 15 test elements, about 20 test elements,about 25 test elements, about 30 test elements, about 35 test elements,about 40 test elements, about 45 test elements, about 50 test elementsor more.

As seen in FIG. 12, the insert 150 includes a vent hole 164 formedthrough the upper surface 152 adjacent the upper opening 154. As shown,the vent hole 164 is formed substantially centered on the majortransverse axis T3. Alternatively, the vent hole 164 may be formed inany portion of the upper surface 152 that enables to vent hole 164 tofunction as described herein. In some instances, more than one vent hole164 may be formed through the upper surface 152 for increased aircirculation within the insert 150. The vent hole 164 is configured toenable air to circulate through the interior space 76 of the insert 150in combination with the lateral vents 128 to enable the interior space76 to reach a dry equilibrium soon after closure of the storagecontainer 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the vent hole 164 iscircular. Alternatively, the vent hole 164 may be formed in other shapesincluding, but not limited to, a square, a rectangular slit, etc. Italso is contemplated that the vent hole 164 may be omitted from theinsert 150.

Referring to FIG. 13, the main body 70 of the insert 150 includes anupward extending support wall 166 that projects from the inner surface100 of the tubular sidewall 84 into the interior space 76. The supportwall 166 has a front surface 168 and a rear surface 170. The supportwall 166 extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis L betweenretainer element 98 and securing tab 102, having its front surface 168substantially vertically aligned with the rear edge portion 158 of theupper opening 154. In one suitable embodiment, the support wall 166 isoffset from the floor panel 110 and may be positioned at variouselevations within the interior space 76. In addition, the support wall166 extends along less than the maximum height dimension H5 of theinterior space 76. Alternatively, in other suitable embodiments, thesupport wall 166 may extend substantially entirely along the entireheight dimension H5 of the interior space 76. The support wall 166 isconfigured for engagement with the test elements 16 to facilitatemaintaining the test elements 16 in a substantially upright orientationwithin the interior space 76 of the insert 150 generally parallel withthe longitudinal axis L, and preventing the test elements 16 fromsliding into the interior space 76 of the insert 150 when only a few ofthe test elements remain in the insert. It is contemplated that thesupport wall 166 can be omitted from the insert 150.

In operation, the test elements 16 are positioned within the interiorspace 76 of the insert 150 where they are maintained in a substantiallyvertical orientation by the support wall 166 to prevent the testelements 16 from falling lengthwise into the interior space 76 as thenumber of test elements 16 is gradually decreased through use. Becausethe support wall 166 extends along less than the entire height dimensionH5 of the interior space 76, the support wall 166 does not impederemoval of the test elements 16 from the interior space 76 of the insert150. The support wall 166 functions as a stabilizer to maintain the testelements 16 in a substantially upright orientation and in a well-orderedarrangement within the insert 150 for presentation to the user, whilefacilitating relatively easy access and removal of an individual teststrip 16 from the insert 150.

Exemplary embodiments of interchangeable inserts for a storage containerare described above in detail. The apparatus and systems are not limitedto the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, operations ofthe methods and components of the systems may be utilized independentlyand separately from other operations or components described herein. Forexample, the systems and apparatus described herein may have otherindustrial or consumer applications and are not limited to practice withbiosensor components as described herein. Rather, one or moreembodiments may be implemented and utilized in connection with otherindustries.

All of the patents, patent applications, patent application publicationsand other publications recited herein are hereby incorporated byreference as if set forth in their entirety.

The present inventive concept has been described in connection with whatare presently considered to be the most practical and preferredembodiments. However, the inventive concept has been presented by way ofillustration and is not intended to be limited to the disclosedembodiments. Accordingly, one of skill in the art will realize that theinventive concept is intended to encompass all modifications andalternative arrangements within the spirit and scope of the inventiveconcept as set forth in the appended claims. Numbered embodiments arepresented below.

1. An insert for a storage container configured to receive a pluralityof vertically oriented items, the insert comprising:

a body comprising a base, an upper surface having an upper opening, andan upstanding tubular sidewall extending between said base and saidupper surface, the base and the upstanding tubular sidewall togetherdefining an interior space, wherein the upstanding tubular sidewallcomprising an inner surface and an outer surface;

a pair of resilient securing tabs extending laterally from the outersurface of the upstanding tubular sidewall, wherein the pair ofresilient securing tabs frictionally engages the storage container forreleasably coupling the insert to the storage container; and

a first vent opening extending through the upstanding tubular sidewallthrough which air can enter the interior space of the body.

2. The insert of Embodiment 1, wherein the securing tabs of the pair ofresilient securing tabs are oppositely oriented.

3. The insert of Embodiments 1 or 2 further comprising a pair ofresilient retainer elements extending laterally from the inner surfaceof the upstanding tubular sidewall and inwardly into the interior space,wherein the pair of resilient retainer elements frictionally engages thevertically oriented items to facilitate retaining the verticallyoriented items within the interior space.4. The insert of Embodiment 3, wherein the retainer elements of the pairof resilient retainer elements are oppositely oriented.5. The insert of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first vent openingcomprises a pair of first vent openings oppositely oriented to oneanother.6. The insert of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the upper surface comprisesan annular flange extending outward from the upstanding tubularsidewall, the annular flange comprising a substantially ellipticallyshaped periphery.7. The insert of Embodiment 6 further comprising a lip coupled to theouter surface of the upstanding tubular sidewall, the lip spaced awayfrom the upper surface and comprising a substantially ellipticallyshaped periphery corresponding to the upper surface.8. The insert of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the upper surface comprisesa second vent opening extending through the upper surface through whichair can enter the interior space of the body.9. The insert of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein at least a portion of anedge defining the upper opening is coterminous with the inner surface ofthe upstanding tubular sidewall.10. The insert of Embodiment 9, wherein the entirety of the edge iscoterminous with the inner surface of the upstanding tubular sidewall.11. The insert of Embodiment 9, wherein the body comprises a frontportion, a rear portion, and transversely opposite side portions, andwherein the edge comprises a rear portion spaced inwardly away from therear portion of the body.12. The insert of Embodiment 11 further comprising a support wall havinga front surface and a rear surface, the support wall extending inwardlyfrom the inner surface of the upstanding tubular sidewall into theinterior space, and extending upwardly between the base and the uppersurface.13. The insert of Embodiment 12, wherein the front surface of thesupport wall is substantially vertically aligned with the edge rearportion of the upper opening.14. The insert of Embodiment 12, wherein a lower end of the support wallis offset from the base and an upper end of the support wall is offsetfrom the upper surface.15. The insert of Embodiments 1 to 14 further comprising a floor paneldisposed within the interior space and spaced away from the base.16. An insert as substantially described and shown herein.17. An insert for a storage container configured to receive a pluralityof vertically oriented items, the insert comprising:

a first side portion and a second side portion hingedly coupledtogether, each of the first side portion and the second side portioncomprising a base, an upper surface, an upstanding tubular sidewallextending between the base and the upper surface, the upstanding tubularsidewall comprising an inner surface and an outer surface and aresilient securing tab extending from the outer surface, each of thefirst side portion and the second side portion further comprising a lipcoupled to the outer surface of the upstanding tubular sidewall, the lipbeing spaced away from the upper surface, the first side portion and thesecond side portion being moveable between a closed configuration, wherethe first side portion and the second side portion are in face-to-facecontact, and an open configuration, wherein the first side portion andthe second side portion are rotated apart;

a catch member coupled to one of the first side portion and the secondside portion, the catch member extending between the upper surface andthe lip and defining a catch opening;

a latch member coupled to the outer surface of the tubular sidewall ofthe other one of the first side portion and the second side portionwherein the latch member extends through the catch opening and engagesthe catch member; and

a living hinge coupled between the first side portion and the secondside portion to enable the first side portion and the second sideportion to be rotated into face-to-face contact.

18. The insert of Embodiment 17, wherein the latch member comprises aresilient, upstanding member and a latch portion, the latch portionconfigured to engage the catch member.

19. The insert of Embodiments 17 or 18 further comprising a pair ofresilient retention arms configured to facilitate retaining the insertwithin the storage container when the insert is in a closedconfiguration.

20. The insert of Embodiments 17 to 19 further comprising a pair ofretention lugs configured to engage an inner portion of the storagecontainer to facilitate positioning and retaining the insert within thestorage container when the insert is in a closed configuration.21. The insert of Embodiments 17 to 20 further comprising a first catchmember and a second catch member.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An insert for a storage containerconfigured to receive a plurality of vertically oriented items, theinsert comprising: a body comprising a base, an upper surface having anupper opening, and an upstanding tubular sidewall extending between saidbase and said upper surface, the base and the upstanding tubularsidewall together defining an interior space, wherein the upstandingtubular sidewall comprising an inner surface and an outer surface,wherein the body comprises a front portion, a rear portion, andtransversely opposite side portions, wherein at least a portion of anedge defining the upper opening is coterminous with the inner surface ofthe upstanding tubular sidewall, and wherein the edge comprises a rearportion spaced inwardly away from the rear portion of the body; asupport wall having a front surface and a rear surface, the support wallextending inwardly from the inner surface of the upstanding tubularsidewall into the interior space, and extending upwardly between thebase and the upper surface; a pair of resilient securing tabs extendinglaterally from the outer surface of the upstanding tubular sidewall,wherein the pair of resilient securing tabs frictionally engages thestorage container for releasably coupling the insert to the storagecontainer; and a first vent opening extending through the upstandingtubular sidewall through which air can enter the interior space of thebody.
 2. The insert of claim 1, wherein the securing tabs of the pair ofresilient securing tabs are oppositely oriented.
 3. The insert of claim1 further comprising a pair of resilient retainer elements extendinglaterally from the inner surface of the upstanding tubular sidewall andinwardly into the interior space, wherein the pair of resilient retainerelements frictionally engages the vertically oriented items tofacilitate retaining the vertically oriented items within the interiorspace.
 4. The insert of claim 3, wherein the retainer elements of thepair of resilient retainer elements are oppositely oriented.
 5. Theinsert of claim 1, wherein the first vent opening comprises a pair offirst vent openings oppositely oriented to one another.
 6. The insert ofclaim 1, wherein the upper surface comprises an annular flange extendingoutward from the upstanding tubular sidewall, the annular flangecomprising a substantially elliptically shaped periphery.
 7. The insertof claim 6 further comprising a lip coupled to the outer surface of theupstanding tubular sidewall, the lip spaced away from the upper surfaceand comprising a substantially elliptically shaped peripherycorresponding to the upper surface.
 8. The insert of claim 1, whereinthe upper surface comprises a second vent opening extending through theupper surface through which air can enter the interior space of thebody.
 9. The insert of claim 1, wherein the entirety of the edge iscoterminous with the inner surface of the upstanding tubular sidewall.10. The insert of claim 1, wherein the front surface of the support wallis substantially vertically aligned with the edge rear portion of theupper opening.
 11. The insert of claim 1, wherein a lower end of thesupport wall is offset from the base and an upper end of the supportwall is offset from the upper surface.
 12. The insert of claim 1 furthercomprising a floor panel disposed within the interior space and spacedaway from the base.
 13. The insert of claim 1, wherein the base includesa first side portion and a second side portion hingedly coupledtogether, each of the first side portion and the second side portioncomprising a respective portion of the base, the upper surface, theupstanding tubular sidewall, and a lip coupled to the outer surface ofthe upstanding tubular sidewall, the lip spaced away from the uppersurface, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion aremoveable between a closed configuration, in which the first side portionand the second side portion are in face-to-face contact, and an openconfiguration, in which the first side portion and the second sideportion are spaced apart, the insert further comprising: a catch membercoupled to one of the first side portion and the second side portion,the catch member extending between the upper surface and the lip anddefining a catch opening; a latch member coupled to the outer surface ofthe upstanding tubular sidewall of the other one of the first sideportion and the second side portion, wherein the latch member extendsthrough the catch opening and engages the catch member; and a livinghinge coupled between the first side portion and the second side portionto enable the first side portion and the second side portion to berotated into face-to-face contact.